Javier Del Ser, an artificial intelligence researcher at TECNALIA and the UPV/EHU, is one one of the world’s most cited scientists
He was the only researcher in the Basque Country to be recognised in his field by Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list, one of the most important in the world
19 November 2025. Javier Del Ser, principal researcher in artificial intelligence at TECNALIA, and distinguished researcher in the Department of Mathematics at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), has been recognised as one of the world’s most cited scientists in the Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list compiled by Clarivate.
This prestigious ranking identifies the researchers with the greatest impact in their fields of knowledge over the last decade. Javier Del Ser is the only researcher from the Basque Country included in the list in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence category.
In Spain as a whole for this category, Del Ser shares this recognition with only one other scientist: Francisco Herrera, from the University of Granada
This year, Clarivate named 6,868 highly cited researchers worldwide, following a rigorous process of verification of scientific integrity and quality. This ranking reflects the influence of a small group of experts who set trends in science and technology globally.
Highly Cited Researchers represent approximately 1 in every 1,000 scientists
Highly Cited Researchers represent approximately 1 in every 1,000 scientists in the world, which underlines the exceptional nature of this recognition. The list includes 119 scientists in the category of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, one of whom is Del Ser.
In the words of Javier del Ser himself: “I am very grateful and honoured by this recognition which, although it was awarded to me individually, I consider to be the result of the joint work of the teams at TECNALIA (Core IA, DIGITAL) and the UPV/EHU (MATHMODE), to which I am privileged to belong”.
Applied Artificial Intelligence and machine learning techniques
Javier Del Ser's research focuses on developing applied artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques aimed at solving real-world modelling and optimisation problems in strategic sectors such as industry, health, transport, energy and mobility.
- In his research, Javier puts special emphasis on ensuring that AI-based solutions are reliable and explainable, thereby ensuring that they are used safely, ethically, and responsibly.
- Over the course of his career, he has published more than 450 articles in international journals and conferences, edited several books, overseen 20 doctoral theses, and taken part in more than 80 projects and contracts with companies.
- His research papers have received more than 33,000 citations to date.
- He has also contributed to the design of the Spanish Government's national R&D&I strategy for artificial intelligence and has received numerous awards, including the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA) Award for Best Research Career in 2023.
